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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (June 18) at 2:30 pm in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Building. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on thanks for the Central Government's Support.
The motion, to be proposed by Hon NG Leung-sing, says "That this Council thanks the Central People's Government for its support to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the battle against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome."
Dr Hon LAW Chi-kwong will move an amendment to the above motion.
Members will also debate a motion on revitalizing tourism and encouraging spending. The motion, to be moved by Hon Howard YOUNG, states "That this Council urges the Government to step up co-operation with various trades and industries to encourage spending through actively supporting community activities such as 'We Love Hong Kong' that aim at reviving the economy, and to make its efforts in launching various types of promotional and publicity activities to attract more tourists to Hong Kong, so as to help revive the tourism industry."
Dr Hon LAW Chi-kwong will move an amendment to Hon Howard YOUNG's motion. Hon Mrs Selina CHOW will move an amendment to Dr Hon LAW Chi-kwong's amendment.
Meanwhile, Hon IP Kwok-him will move a resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending the Electoral Affairs Commission (Electoral Procedure) (District Councils) (Amendment) Regulation 2003, laid on the table of the Legislative Council on 21 May 2003, to the meeting of 9 July 2003.
Hon IP Kwok-him will move another resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending the Registration of Persons (Application for New Identity Cards) Order; and the Registration of Persons (Application for New Identity Cards) (Repeal) Order 2003, both laid on the table of the Legislative Council on 21 May 2003, to the meeting of 9 July 2003.
Moreover, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food will move a resolution under the Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness Offences) Ordinance to seek the Legislative Council's approval to increase the fixed penalty in relation to certain public cleanliness offences from $600 to $1,500, and if passed, the resolution shall come into operation on 26 June 2003.
The Secretary for Constitutional Affairs will also move two resolutions under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to separately amend the District Councils (Subscribers and Election Deposit for Nomination)(Amendment) Regulation 2003; and the Legislative Council (Subscribers and Election Deposit for Nomination)(Amendment) Regulation 2003. Both regulations were laid on the table of the Legislative Council on 21 May 2003.
On bills, the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2003 and the Supplementary Appropriation (2002-2003) Bill will be introduced into the Council for First and Second Reading. Debates on the Bills will be adjourned.
Members will also resume Second Reading debate on the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2002. If the bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will then go through the Committee Stage and be read the third time.
In the meantime, Dr Hon Philip WONG will present the Report of the Finance Committee on the examination of the Estimates of Expenditure 2003-04 (June 2003) and will address the Council.
During the meeting, Members will also ask the Administration 20 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the Legislative Council InfoFax Service (Tel: 2869 9568) or the Legislative Council web site (http://www.legco.gov.hk).
Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Legislative Council Chamber. They may reserve seats by calling 2869 9399 during office hours. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
End/Monday, June 16, 2003
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